ECERS-R Scores
What is the ECERs-R?
In an effort to ensure that the County of Renfrew Child Care Services Division is “Helping to Make Renfrew County the Best Place to Raise a Child” a quality initiative was launched with all licensed child care providers in January 2010.
The quality initiative tool is called the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Revised Edition (ECERS-R). This tool is also available in a similar format for Infant and Toddler Programs (ITERS), Family Licensed Child Care Providers (FCCERS) and School Age Programs (SACERS).
Each category requires the observer/assessor to observe and collect information about classroom. Two Integration Coordinators, County of Renfrew Child Care staff, complete the assessments together to make sure that the scores are accurate and valid. Only one classroom is observed/assessed at one time with up to a full day of observation per room group.
The ECERS-R assessment evaluates the quality of the program and what children experience. These items directly relate to how children grow and develop and learn. Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between higher scores on the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale and better childhood development outcomes (school success, language and social skills). Some of the specific areas scored include;
- Are proper hand washing procedures followed?
- Is the room clean?
- Are there enough toys and learning materials for each child?
- How do the Early Childhood Educators talk to the children?
The items scored at the end of the assessment relate to parents and staff.
- Are staff working in a comfortable and clean environment?
- Are there professional growth opportunities made available to staff?
- How is communication with parents?
Process of Evaluation
The scores reported are the second evaluation scores for each centre, baseline scores were completed on all licensed child care centre programs in 2010. The baseline score allowed each centre the time and effort needed to correct and/or improve in any areas noted. The outcomes of all quality assessment scores have been individually shared with the child care agency. The assessors/observers are available to provide in classroom support to assist with improving those areas where an issue was noted upon request of the child care operator or director.
The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale assesses the quality of each program in a licensed child care centre covering 7 categories. Each category is ranked from 1 to 7.
- A ranking of 1 describes inadequate conditions
- A ranking of 3 is minimal
- A ranking of 5 is good (an average ranking across Canada is between 4 and 5)
- A ranking of 7 describes excellent conditions
What Can I Do as a Parent?
Each licensed child care centre has a copy of their baseline and post baseline ECERS-R scores.
If your child is enrolled ask to see a copy of the full assessment at your daycare. Talk to your child care provider about questions you may have regarding their score and outcome.
Before you make your daycare choice ask to see a copy of the full assessment.
CHILD CARE AGENCIES SCORES
Chalk River Nursery ⁄ Children's Garden ⁄ Children's Junction ⁄ Child's Paradise ⁄ Columbus House ⁄ Columbus House Renfrew ⁄ Deep River Nursery ⁄ Garderie l'Arc-en-ciel ⁄ Garderie Les Petites Mains ⁄ Ketcha Star ⁄ Kidds Learning Centre ⁄ Kiddie Kollege North ⁄ Kiddie Kollege South ⁄ Kidz Kastle ⁄ Kinder Connection ⁄ Leaps & Bounds ⁄ Lil Troopers ⁄ Pineridge ⁄ WiseOwl Barry's Bay ⁄ Wise Owl Pembroke
LINKS:
Caring & Learning Environments